Partitioning arrangement for high rise buildings

ABSTRACT

A partitioning arrangement for high rise buildings comprising floor, ceiling, and side wall runners mounted in coplanar relation, and a panel partition assembly positioned between said runners, in which the panel partition assembly, which comprises studs in the usual spacing having wallboard sheeting secured thereto, rests on the floor runner and is free of fixed connection to all of the runners for floating action relative thereto, whereby the runners are free to shift with the building relative to the panel partition to accommodate flextural movements in the building, due to drift, seismic shock, and the like without distressing the partition in the area of its juncture with the floor, ceiling and side walls. Associated with the runners are masking trim members that have a slip fit with the panel structure to accommodate the relative movement involved. Several different forms of mounting arrangements for the runners are disclosed.

United States Patent [191 Rasmussen Jan. 21, 1975 PARTITIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS [76] Inventor: Robert R. Rasmussen, 1120 Grandview Ln., Lake Forest, Ill. 60045 [22] Filed: Mar. 2, 1973 [21] Appl. No.: 337,598

[52] US. Cl. 52/241, 52/573 [51] Int. Cl E04b 2/74 [58] Field of Search 52/238-243, 52/290, 481, 573

[56] References Cited UNITED STATES PATENTS 1,999,741 4/1935 Schultz 52/242 2,000,243 5/1935 Manske 52/242 3,078,968 2/1963 Erick 52/241 3,160,247 12/1964 Masters 52/241 3,327,438 6/1967 Cooper 52/495 3,473,278 10/1969 Gossen 52/287 FOREIGN PATENTS OR APPLICATIONS 686,179 3/1965 Italy 52/290 Primary Examiner-John E. Murtagh Attorney, Agent, or Firm-Mann, Brown, McWilliams & Bradway ABSTRACT A partitioning arrangement for high rise buildings comprising floor, ceiling, and side wall runners mounted in coplanar relation, and a panel partition assembly positioned between said runners, in'which the panel partition assembly, which comprises studs in the usual spacing having wallboard sheeting secured thereto, rests on the floor runner and is free of fixed connection to all of the runners for floating action relative thereto, whereby the runners are-free to shift with the building relative to the panel partition to acpanel structure to accommodate the relative move ment involved. Several different forms of mounting arrangements for the runners are disclosed.

13 Claims, 13 Drawing Figures mzzww PATENTED JANZ 1 I975 SHEET 2 UF 3 lOA FIG-.8

PARTITIONING ARRANGEMENT FOR HIGH RISE BUILDINGS This invention relates to a partitioning arrangement for high rise buildings, and more particularly, to an arrangement for partitioning off room areas in high rise buildings that is specifically adapted to accommodate shifting movement of the builiding and its walls, floors, and ceiling due to drift, seismic shock, thermal movement and the like.

In the now common high rise building construction, which for the building involved frequently comprises a basic reinforced concrete skeleton defining large opening floor spaces from which individual rooms are formed by partitions, considerable difficulty has been experienced with distressing of the partitions where they join with the floor, ceiling and side walls. The applicant has determined that this problem can be laid to the tendency of high rise buildings to drift or sway under wind movements and seismic shock, aswell as expansion and contraction due to temperature variations and deflection due to loads. Low rise buildings also tend to have similar problems to a lesser degree.

A principal object of this invention is to provide a partitioning arrangement especially adapted for high rise buildiings which accommodates the relative movements of the building ceiling, floor, and side walls, of a particular room area, as the basic building structure shifts or sways due to drift, seismic shock, thermal movement or the like, without distressing the room partitioning arrangements employed.

Another principal object of the invention is to provide a partition arrangement for buildings subject to the problems that involves, for each partition wall, ceiling, floor, and side wall runners mounted in coplanar relation for movement with the building structures adjacent same, and a partition panel assembly that is free of fixed connection to the runners while being supported thereby, with the arrangement being such that the runners shift freely relative to the partition assembly, under the building ceiling, floor, and side wall shifting action that may be involved in drift or seismic occurrences, or the like, whereby distressing of the partition is avoided.

Another important object of the invention is to. provide a partitioning arrangement for buildings in which Other objects of the invention are to provide partition panel assembly supporting runner mounting arrangements for different types of wall and ceiling constructions encountered in modern buildings, to provide trim stripping especially adapted for use with the floating partition assembly of this invention, and to provide a partition arrangement for high rise buildings and the like that is economical of manufacture, convenient to install, long lived in use, and readily adaptable to a number of specific architectural situations.

In accordance with this invention, a partitioning arrangement is provided in which floor, ceiling, and side wall runners of channel construction are mounted in coplanar relation in association with the building floor, ceiling and side walls of the room space being partitioned, and a partition panel assembly, comprising metal channel studding having the usual spacing and covered by wallboard sheeting, is positioned between and within said runners, in which the panel assembly rests on the floor runner and is free of fixed connection to any of the runners, whereby the runners are free to shift with the building relative to the panel assembly. The panel assembly has its studs received in the floor and ceiling runners, but the studs extend short of columnar engagement or supporting relation with the ceiling runner. The wallboard sheeting frictionally engages all runners for good acoustical characteristics, but is spaced from the adjacent building ceiling, floor and side walls to leave a gap that accommodates the floating action contemplated by this invention. At the sides of the partition, this gap is closed by a wallboard supported trim piece for masking the side runners, .and suitable resilient caulking material. Associated with the upper and lower margins of the panel assembly are trim members that mask the ceiling and floor runners respectively and have a slip fit engagement with the panel assembly to accommodate the floating action contemplated by this invention.

The invention also contemplates specific runner mounting arrangements for mounting the ceiling and side runners under specific conditions, such as when suspended ceilings are used, or when the partition is to abut a mullion.

Other objects, uses, and advantages will be obvious or become apparent from a consideration of the following detailed description and the application drawings in which like reference numerals are used throughout the views to designate like parts.

In the drawings:

FIG. 1 is a fragmental vertical sectional view through a typical high rise building showing an outside wall of same at one of the floors thereof, with a room partition wall formed in accordance with this invention being shown in elevation;

FIG. 2 is a sectional view taken substantially along line 22 of FIG. 1, but on an enlarged scale and with parts broken away;

FIG. 2A is a fragmental sectional isometric view of the panel assembly lower margin trim piece shown in FIG. 2; 5

FIG. 3 is a fragmental view better illustrating one of the ceiling runner trim pieces shown in FIGS. 1 and 2, but on an enlarged scale;

FIG. 4 is a horizontal sectional view taken substantially along line 44 of FIG. 1;

FIG. 5 is a diagrammatic fragmental sectional view taken substantially along line 5-5 of FIG. 2;

FIG. 6 is a view similar to that of FIG. 1 but illustrating the principles of this invention applied to a suspended ceiling construction in association with an exterior curtain wall mullion along one side of the room being partitioned;

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic vertical cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 77 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 8 is a horizontal cross-sectional view taken substantially along line 8-8 of FIG. 6;

FIG. 9 is a view similar to that of FIG. 2 but illustrating a modified form of the invention;

FIG. 10 is a view similar to that of FIGS. 2 and 9, but illustrating another embodiment of the invention; and

FIGS. 11 and 12 are similar to FIG. 7 but illustrate application of the invention to alternate forms of suspended ceilings.

However, it is to be distinctly understood that the specific drawing illustrations provided are supplied primarily to comply with the requirements of the Patent Laws, and that the invention has other embodiments that will be obvious to those skilled in the art, and which are intended to be covered by the appended claims.

GENERAL DESCRIPTION Reference numeral 10 generally indicates one embodiment of the invention applied to high rise building 12 of familiar reinforced concrete construction defining outer wall or columns 14 and floor walls 16 and 18 (actually floor slabs defining ceiling and wall surfaces) which, together with the other building walls not shown, define floor space 20 in which the partition arrangement 10 is mounted. The floor walls 16 and 18 thus define for the space 20 ceiling 22 and floor 24. A second room dividing partition embodying the invention is indicated by reference numeral 26 which serves as a cross wall in subdividing room space 20.

In accordance with the present invention, the partition arrangement 10 comprises (see FIGS. 1 a ceiling runner 40 (see FIG. 2), a floor runner 42, and side wall runners 46 and 48 (see FIG. 4) mounted in coplanar relation, and mounting between same a partition panel assembly 50 which rests on the floor runner 42, but which is free of fixed connection with respect to any of the runners 40, 42, 46 and 48 that receive same, so that the runners for each partition arrangement are free to shift relative to their respective panel assemblies 50 as the building 12 and its floor walls and side walls shift laterally of FIG. 1 due to drift, seismic occurrences, thermal movement and the like.

The partition arrangement is specifically adapted for use where the partition is intended to extend between the floor walls 16 and 18, as distinguished from the case where suspended ceilings are employed. In the partition arrangement 10, the ceiling and floor runners 40 and 42, which are of standard channel-shaped construction, are fixed in place by employing suitable fasteners such as ram set nails 52. The side wall runners 46 and 48 are also of standard channel-shaped construction (conventional metal sutdding may be employed to form runners 46 and 48), with the side wall runner 46 fixed in place by employing the ram set nails 52 and the runner 48 being secured to the panel assembly 50 of partition cross wall structure 26 in the manner suggested in FIG. 4.

The panel assembly 50 comprises studs 56 of the familiar metal channel shape construction having the usual spacing (for instance, 16 inches on centers), which have secured thereto, by employing suitable screws 58, wallboard sheets 60. The runners each comprise a web 47 having spaced side flanges 49 along each side edge of same, though the side runners, which preferably are formed from standard metal channel studding, have end flanges 113.

In accordance with this invention, the studs 56 of panel assemblies 50 at their lower ends 62 rest on the but at the upper ends 64 of the studs 56, the studs 56,

while being received between the runner flanges 49, extend short of the ceiling runner web 47. Also, the wallboard sheeting 60 extends short of both the ceiling and floor, but is in frictional, slip fit engagement with runners 40 and 42.

At the building side walls 14 and 26, the end studs 56 of the panel assembly 50 are spaced from the respective side wall runners 46 and 48, and the ends 66 of the wallboard sheeting 60 on either side of the assembly extend beyond the end studs 56 and receive between them the flanges 49 of the side wall runners 46 and 48.

Further in accordance with this invention, there is operably associated with the ceiling runner 40 along the upper margin 70 of the assembly 50 a trim member 72, and since the embodiment of FIGS. 1 5 has a tinished surface on either side of same, a like trim member 72 is applied to either side of the runner 40. At the bottom margin 74 of the assembly 50, trim members 76 are applied on either side of the assembly 50, and at the side margins 78 and 80 of the assembly 50, trim strips.

82'are applied to the vertically extending edge portion 66 of the wallboard sheeting 60.

The trim members 72 in the embodiment of FIGS. 1 5 are secured to the ceiling runner 40 and overhang the upper margin 70 of the assembly 50 (-see FIG. 2) and in close fitting relation thereto for masking the runner 40 and the upper edges of the sheeting 60.

The trim members 76 are secured to the sheeting 60 and extend into engagement with the floor wall 18 to mask the floor runner 42 at the lower edges of the sheeting 60. Trim members 76 are formed from a suitable resiliently flexible material, such as vinyl or the like to accommodate therelative movement and minimize distress between the panel assembly 50 and the floor wall 18 that is contemplated by this invention.

The trim stripping members 82 are frictionally fitted over the edges 66 of the sheeting 60 for face to face slip fit engagement with the respective flanges 49 of the side wall runners 46 and 48, respectively. A suitable resilient caulking material that accommodates such slip fits such as USG Acoustical Sealant (made and sold by US. Gypsum Co.), is applied where indicated by reference numeral 90, in the gap 91 that is purposely left between the trim members 82 and the building side walls, for sound insulating purposes and for minimizing distressing that may occur if the joint were rigid, from relative building frame movement.

In the drawings the wallboard sheeting 60 is shown indented at 83 for the slip fit engagement with the floor and ceiling runners. However, such indenting is ordinarily not necessary; it is shown in the drawings primarily because the thickness of the runners and trim members is made out of proportion to better distinguish the parts involved.

In assembly the partition arrangements 10, the runners 40, 42, 46 and 48 are mounted in the positions indicated, after which trim members 72 are applied to the ceiling runner 40 to which they are secured by crimping same together through the runner flange 49 as indicated at 93 in FIG. 5. The studs 56 are then inserted between runners 40 and 42 at the desired spacing, and with their upper ends 64 disposed as indicated in FIG. 2 relative to ceiling runner 40. The friction fit between the ends 62 and 64 of the studs 56 and the ceiling and floor runs is all that is needed to hold them in the desired upright position, to receive the sheeting 60, which is applied to the studs in sheets of suitable length (cut to size as necessary), which have their upper ends inserted between the respective runner flanges and the trim members 72 adjacent same, and lifted upwardly to space their lower ends above floor wall 18, whereupon screws 58 are applied to fix the sheet to the studs. The sheeting is secured by at least several screws to each stud, whereby the studs and sheet are united in fixed relation (the sheeting 60 has trim strips 82 applied to same before application to the studs 56). The trim members 76 are then secured to the sheeting 60 in the floor wall engaging positions indicated in FIGS. 1 and 2, and the caulking material 90 applied to gaps 91, to complete the assembly.

The side runner 48 in the showing of FIGS. 1 4 is secured to the panel assembly 50 of cross partition 26, as by securing same to a convenient stud 56 of the cross partition by employing suitable screws 54 at spaced points therealong. Partition 26 may thus beput up or completed after that shown in elevation in FIG. 1, for this purpose, and the panel assemblies 50 of other cross partitions employed in the room space 20 are interconnected in like manner.

In use, should wind activity or seismic shock shift the building 12 to the left or right of FIG. 1, the runners 40, 42, 46 and 48 are free to articulate in the four corners 92, 94, 96 and 98 of the partition arrangements 10, relative to the panel assembly 50 thereof under the relative movement generated. Since the studs 56 of panel assembly 50 extend short of the web 47 of the top runner 40, the upper and lower edges of the sheeting 60 extend short of the ceiling and floor, the sheeting and studs are free of fixed connection to the runners as well as the building walls, and the gap 90 separates the trim covered edges 66 of the panel assembly sheeting from the building side walls and cross partitions, the panel assembly 50 is essentially in a floating relationship with respect to its runners whereby its runners may freely adjust with respect to same under the building structure movements indicated, and the nature of the trim members 72, 76 and 82 is such to fully accommodate such relative movements that are involved.

The panel assemblies 50 at their juncture points are thus flexibly connected in the manner indicated in FIG.

4, and being so connected, remain relatively stable and yet accommodate the side runner movement that may be involved.

It will thus be seen that the panel arrangement accommodates the relative movements that may be involved in ceilings, side walls and floors due to wind activity, seismic occurrences, and the like, as well as due to expansion and contraction and load deflections.

The partition arrangement 10A of FIGS. 6-8 follows the same basic principles and is illustrated in connection with a building 12A having a conventional suspended ceiling of the T-grid lay-in tile type, generally indicated at 100, the conventional partition side wall 26, and a window wall 12A involving conventional mullions 102 that are operably associated with conventional exterior windows 104 and spardrel panels 104A normally associated with curtain wall construction.

In the embodiment 108 (see FIG. 9), the panel assembly 50 is operably associated with ceiling and floor runners 40 and 42 that mount special ceiling and floor trim members 106 and 108 of generally channelshaped configuration.

The embodiment 10C (see FIG. 10) is in the form of a pipe chase partition arrangement utilizing floor and. ceiling runner mounted trim members 72 along the lower and upper margin of the panel assemblies involved.

In the showing of FIG. 11, the partition arrangement 10A is operably associated with a Z-spline suspended ceiling arrangement A, while in the showing of FIG. 12, the partition arrangement 10A is associated with a varient form of Z-spline suspended ceiling arrangement 100B.

SPECIFIC DESCRIPTION The building 12 that has been illustrated is for purposes of diagrammatically showing a typical high rise building to which the invention is applicable (obviously the invention iw equally applicable to the other forms of buildings, including low rise buildings, that, due to wind loads, thermal movements, and the like, are subject to relative ceiling, side wall and floor shifting movements).

The runners 40, 42, 46 and 48 are formed from any suitable material, such as galvanized steel of a suitable gauge. As already indicated, runners 46 and 48 may be lengths of conventional metal channel studding, and they may comprise lengths of studding 56; in the drawings runn'ers 46 and 48 are shown of a lesser width than studs 56, but this is primarily to facilitate illustration of trim strips 82. Runners 40, 42, 46 and 48 at partition corners 92, 94, 96 and 98 are suitably mitered and spaced to allow the articulation at such corners that is contemplated by this invention.

Studs 56 each define a web 110 having a side flange 112 along either side edge of same bearing an end flange 113. The side flanges 112 of studs 56 and the side flanges 49 of the floor and ceiling runners are of complemental spacing so that studs 56 have a friction fit within the runner side flanges 49. As clearly shown in FIG. 2, the upper ends 64 of the respective studs 56 are received within the side flanges 49 or the ceiling runner 40, but the terminal top edges of same, indicated at 114, are adequately spaced from the web 47 of the runner to accommodate the floating action of the panel assembly 50 that is contemplated by this invention. The studs and runners may be in the form of USG 20 gauge metal studs and runners, made and sold by US. Gypsum Co.

The sheeting 60 may comprise wallboard of any suitable type in nature proportioned lengthwise and heightwise of the panel assembly 50 to be spaced from the building floor walls 16 and 18 and the building side walls 14 and 26 or their equivalents an adequate amount to accomplish the floating action of the assembly 50 that is contemplated by this invention. As indicated the sheeting 60 on either side of the panel assembly overlaps the ceiling floor and side runners an amount adequate to insure good acoustical characteristics along the ceiling and floor runners. In practice, the gauge of the runner side flanges and the material forming the trim members associated therewith is sufficiently thin that no recessing of the sheeting 60 is necessary where the sheeting overlaps the runners. The sheeting 60 thus makes a dry slip joint with respect to the runners, and the slip joint involved is fully masked by the trim members employed along the upper and lower margins of the partition arrangement.

The trim members 82 are suitably formed from aluminum or the like and may be extruded elements or suitably shaped from sheet metal or some suitable plastic material. They preferably are proportioned to make a firm friction fit over the wallboard sheeting edges 66 and fit flush against the side runners for good acoustical characteristics. Again, the thickness of the trim members 82 is overemphasized in the drawings to better distinguish these elements from those with which they are associated.

The trim members 72 are preferably cold rolled from a suitable sheet metal, such as aluminum, to define a base wall 120 (see FIG. 3) having formed along the inner edge 122 of same a flange 124 including a doubled over edge portion 126 defining a gripping fold 128 in which the adjacent side flange 49 of the runner 40 is frictionally received. Formed along the outer edge 130 of base wall 120 is flange 132 shaped to define spacing web 134 and abutment flange 136 which is in frictional slip fit engagement with the outwardly facing surface of the wallboard sheeting 60. The respective trim members 72 preferably have their gripping folds 128 crimped to the runner flange 49, as indicated at 93 in FIG. 5, by employing a suitable crimping tool.

The trim members 72 are preferably formed and proportioned so that when the runner side flange 49 is properly seated in the gripping fold 128 and crimped thereto, at least the outer edge 130 of the base wall 120 will be in firm engagement with the ceiling wall, and the wallboard sheeting 60 makes a friction slip fit with respect to the abutment flange 136 (see FIG. 3).

The trim members 72 on either side of the panel assembly 50 are identical but reversed. The member 72 may be formed from the same piece of stock (that has been primed for pleasing appearance), suitably cut to length in accordance with the basic length of the partition arrangement 10. The trim members 72 are employed on the ceiling and floor runners of the embodiment C (see FIG. 10) as will be hereinafter described, and in alternate arrangement of embodiment 10, the trim member 72 may be employed along the lower margin 74 of the panel assembly 50 instead of using the trim member 76.

The trim members 76 (see FIGS. 2 and 2A) are of identical construction and comprise extruded strips formed from vinyl or the like so as to be resiliently flexible to accommodate the floating movement between the floor wall 18 and the panel assembly 50 that is contemplated by this invention and yet insure full masking of the lower margin 74 of the panel assembly 50 and floor runner 42. In the form shown, the trim members 76 are of generally flat configuration comprising a base tubular portion 140 integrally joined to an anchoring wall 141 that is in turn integrally joined to an arched flap wall 142. The anchoring wall 141 is adapted to have holes drilled through same to apply conventional double threaded wallboard screws 143 to the sheeting 60 to mount the members 76 on the sheeting 60.

The tubular portion 140 and flap wall 142 are shaped to define dovetail type slot 146 that is aligned with the wall 141, in which slot is received with a snap fit sealing strip 148 formed from any suitable resiliently compressible material such as vinyl, for the purposes of concealing the screws 143. Strip 148 is shaped to substantially complement the shape of outer portion of slot 146, and the parts involved are arranged so that the strip 148 can be readily snap fitted into slot 146. Strip 148 is shaped to be flush with the outwardly facing surface of member 76 (see FIGS. 2 and 2A). The tubular portion of the trim members 142 is shaped to define a relatively flat planar abutment wall 149 for engaging the upper surface of floor wall 18 and the shape of same is such as to resist being kicked under the lower edge of wallboard 60. The flap portion of member 76 is rounded as at 150 to avoid a right angled ledge along its upper margin. As indicated in FIG. 2A, wall 141 is preferably disposed or set back slightly to the right of FIG. 2A (and thus outwardly of the trim member base wall 149), in the unstressed relation of member 76, so that on application of the screws 143 to wall 141 to secure member 76 to the sheeting 60, flap 142 (which is resiliently flexible) is drawn firmly against the sheeting 60. Edge 151 of flap wall 142 is recessed as at 153 for good engagement with sheeting 60. Referring now to the embodiment 10A of FIGS. 6 8, the suspended ceiling 100 is of the familiar T grip suspended type which, as is well known in the art, involves a T-grid construction comprising a plurality of interconnected T-bars 152 (see FIG. 7), each defining an upwardly directed main flange 154 and laterally directed support flanges 156 on which rest the conventional ceiling tile 158. The T-bars 152 are supported from the slabs 16A by wires 160 suitable anchored in the slab 16A.

The wall 14A of building 12A is ofa familiar conventional exterior curtain or window .wall construction providing vertically disposed mullions 102 separating windows 104 or spandrel panels 104A in a conventional manner. These parts are only diagrammatically illustrated and are intended to represent any conventional structure of this type.

In the embodiment 10A, the ceiling runner 40 is affixed to a blocking 162 in the form of beam 163 that is suspended from the suspended ceiling 100 by being operably associated with one of the T-grid members 152. For this purpose, trim members 72A are given a substantially modified Z-shaped configuration involving a wing flange 164 suitably secured to the blocking 162 by suitable screws 166 and having at its upper end a retainer flange 168 that projects above the upper edge 170 of the blocking 162 for reception over one of the support flanges 156 of the T-member 152. Trim members 72A are otherwise similar to members 72, they having the wing flange 164 integral with base wall 120A equipped with flanges 132, spacing web 134, and abutment flange 136 for cooperation with sheeting 60.

The ceiling runner 40, blocking 162, and the trim members 72A provide a suspended overhead beam structure support for the panel assembly 50 that is indicated as a whole by reference numeral 172. Panel assembly 50 is operably associated with beam structure in the same manner as assembly 50 is operably associated with ceiling runner 40 and trim members 72 in the arrangement 10.

In accordance with this invention, the beam support 172 is also usable to support the side edge of the assembly 50 at the mullion 102. As indicated in FIG. 8, beam assembly 172A, which is the same in construction as beam assembly 172, except for length, and the application of side wall runner 46 thereto, is operably associated with the mullion 102 by having its retainer flanges 168 operably engaged with the support flanges of a T member 182 having its main flange 184 suitably anchore'd to the mullion by self tapping screws 185 through the member 182 and its main flange 184. In the embodiment 10A, the trim members 82 and caulking associated therewith are omitted.

The embodiment 10A is otherwise the same as the embodiment 10. Trim members 72A are preferably cold rolled aluminum that has been primed for decorative appearance and are suitably mitered at adjoining corners, as indicated in FIG. 6.

In the embodiment 10B, the ceiling runner 40 is mounted within trim channel member 106 defining side flanges 190 formed with portions 134 and 136 that correspond to the similarly numbered portions of trim member 72 for close fitting relation with the upper margin of the panel assembly 50. The same ram set nails 192 that secure the ceiling runner 40 in place also secure the trim channel member 106 in place against the floor wall 16.

The floor runner 42 is seated within trim channel member 108 that defines side flanges 194 formed with portions 134 and 136 comparable to the corresponding portions of trim member 72 for close fitting engagement with the lower margin of the panel assembly 50. Ram set nails 196 that secure the floor runner 42 to the floor wall 18 also secure the trim channel member 108 in place. i

The embodiment 10B is otherwise the same as the embodiment 10, trim channels 106 and 108 are preferably cold rolled aluminum that has been suitably primed.

1n the embodiment 10C, 21 pipe chase partition arrangement is involved in which a pair of partition arrangements 200 are mounted in spaced apart relation between floor walls 16 and 18 to define-between them a pipe chase 202 through which the usual conduiting, and plumbing, etc., can extend. The partition arrangements 200 are identical, but reversed, each comprising ceiling and floor runners 40 and 42 secured in place by suitable ram set nails 52 and each supporting a trim member 72 (secured thereto as described in connection with the embodiment of FIGS. 1 5) for close fitting engagement with a panel assembly 50A. The panel assembly 50A is the same as assembly 50 except the wallboard sheeting 60 is applied to only one side (the outwardly facing side) of the respective sets of studs 56.

At the side walls, the arrangement for mounting the side wall runners may be of any of the types described hereinbefore.

FIG. 11 shows the application of the embodiment A to a modified form of suspended ceiling which will be recognized as the familiar Z-spline type wherein the grid members 210 are supported from suspension channels 212 by suitable clips 214, and the ceiling tile 216 are formed with cooperating grooves 218 and 220 along associated edges for engagement with the support flanges 221 of thd grid member 210.

In accordance with this invention, the beam structure 172 is operably associated with a special T-member 224 having its main flange 226 provided with a right angled projection 228 that is received over the adjacent support flange 221 when the member 224 is positioned as shown in FIG. 11 relative to grid member 210. Member 224 defines support flanges 230 that are received under the flanges 168 fo the trim members 72A for operably associating the beam structure 172 with panel assembly 50.

The suspended ceiling B is substantially the same as that shown in FIG. 11 except that the groove 218 of the ceiling panels 216 are made identical to grooves 220 so that the trim member 72 can be applied directly to the grid member 210 in the manner indicated in the drawings.

The screws employed for application to wallboard are preferably the familiar USG brand high-low thread screws, made by US. Gypsum Co. Screws employed for securing the trim members in 7, 8, 11 and 12 may be standard round head screws.

It will therefore be seen that the invention provides a partition arrangement that is especially suited for high rise buildings wherein lateral and vertical movement of the building structure particularly on the upper floors, causes relative movement between the ceiling, floor and side walls of a room, which heretofore has unduly distressed partitions where they engage these parts of the building. In accordance with this invention, a floating panel assembly is provided that is operably mounted in ceiling, floor and side runners that move with the building and yet can articulate at their adjoining corners, relative to the panel assemblywithout distressing the panel assembly due to the slip fit that exists between the runners and the floating panel assembly.

In addition, the cold rolled trim members that have been disclosed are of special significance in that they provide an inexpensively manufactured trim piece that is light weight and attractive in appearance and can be readily processed for application to particular partition installations.

The foregoing description and the drawings are given merely to explain and illustrate the invention and the invention is not to be limited thereto, except insofar as the appended claims are so limited, since those skilled in the art who have the disclosure before them willbe able to make modifications and variations therein without departing from the scope of the invention.

I claim:

1. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a room space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising:

floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation,

a pair of side runners respectively mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter,

and a partition framework between said runners in close interfitting relation thereto and resting on said floor runner,

said framework being free of fixed connection to said runners,

and trim strip means positioned along the vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on at least one side of same for masking said runners,

whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure,

said partition framework comprising:

a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners and havin their ends received therein,

and wallboard sheeting mounted on said studs at said one side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same,

said studs being free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner,

said wallboard sheeting at saidrunners being received in close fitting relation thereto,

with the trim strip means along said side runners being applied to said sheeting,

said side runners being mounted in abutting relation with vertical walls of the building structure adjacent same,

said trim strip means along said side runners defining a gap between same and said building structure vertical walls, respectively,

and resilient caulking compound means filling gaps along the lengths thereof.

2. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a room space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising:

floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation,

a pair of side runners respectively mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter,

and a partition framework between said runners in close interfitting relation thereto and resting on said floor runner,

said framework being free of fixed connection to said runners,

and trim strip means positioned along the vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on at least one side of same for masking said runners,

whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure,

said partition framework comprising: 1

a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners and having their ends received therein,

and wallboard sheeting mounted on said studs at said one side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same,

said studs being free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner,

said trim strip means being positioned along the vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on both sides of same for masking said runners,

and including wallboard sheeting mounted on the other side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same,

with the ceiling being of the T-grid suspended type,

and including means for supporting said ceiling runner from said suspended ceiling,

said supporting means comprising:

a pair of elongate trim members of generally Z- configuration having like wing flanges affixed to said support member along either side of same and each having a depending wing flange each defining a masking flange shaped to engage the wallboard sheeting on either side of said framework for masking the upper margin of said framework,

said trim members each including on their respective like wing flanges a holding flange spaced above said support member for receiving the flanges of the ceiling suspension T-grid frame member.

said

3. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a room space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising:

floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation,

a pair of side runners respectively mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter,

and a partition framework between said runners in close interfitting relation thereto and resting on said floor runner,

said framework being free of fixed connection to said runners,

and trim strip means positioned along the vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on at least one side of same for masking said runners,

whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure,

said partition framework comprising:

a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners and having their ends received therein,

and wallboard sheeting mounted on said studs at said one side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same,

said studs being free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner,

said trim strip means being positioned along vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on both sides of same for masking said runners,

and including wallboard sheeting mounted on the other side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same,

with a mullion member being along one side of the room space, and including means for supporting one of the side runners from said mullion,

said supporting means comprising:

an elongate support member of generally quadrilateral transverse cross-sectional configuration having said side runners secured thereto in parallelism therewith and along the lower surface of same,

said trim strip means along said one side runner comprising:

a pair of elongate trim members of generally Z- configuration having like wing flanges affixed to said support member along either side of same and each having a projecting wing flange each defining a masking flange shaped to engage the wallboard sheeting on either side of said framework for masking the adjacent side margin of said framework,

said trim members each including on their respective like wing flanges a holding flange spaced from said support member for receiving the flanges of a T- frame member vfixed to and extending longitudinally of said mullion.

4. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a romm space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising:

floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation,

a pair of side runners of generally channel shape respective mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter,

a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners in horizontally spaced, coplanar relation,

and wallboard sheeting disposed along and against one side of said studs in masking relation to said studs,

said runners each defining a web having upstanding side flanges along either side of same having opposed inner surfaces and oppositely facing outer surfaces,

said studs having their lower ends resting on and supported by said web of said floor runner,

said studs having their upper and lower ends respectively frictionally received between said floor and ceiling runner flanges, in frictional engagement with said inner surface thereof,

with said upper ends of said studs being spaced from said ceiling runner web whereby said studs are free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner,

said sheeting engaging said floor and ceiling runner flange outer surfaces on one side of said floor and ceiling runners in slip fit relation to said flange outer surfaces thereof,

said sheeting have the side edges of same in slip fit relation with the respective side runner flange outer surfaces and extending short of the plane of the respective side runner webs to define a gap along the respective side runners,

said sheeting having the upper edge thereof formed to be short of the level of said ceiling runner web and defining a gap between the sheeting upper edge and the ceiling,

said sheeting having the lower edge thereof formed to be short of the level of said floor runner web and define a gap between the sheeting lower edges and the floor,

said studs and sheeting being free of fixed connection to said runners,

said sheeting defining a first-side surface facingand engaging said studs and a second side surface facing oppositely of said first surface thereof and facing away from said studs,

fastener means for securing said sheeting to said studs, with said first surface of said sheeting engaging same, for supporting said sheeting against gravity from said studs and maintaining said studs in said spaced relation and said sheeting in said slip fit relation with said runners,

and trim strip means positioned along the upper and lower edges of said sheeting for spanning said gaps at the sheeting upper and lower edges and masking said sheeting upper and lower edges and said floor and ceiling runners,

said trim strip means engaging said second side surface of said sheeting,

said sheeting and said studs forming a floating framework supported by said floor runner whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure free of stressing said sheeting along said edges thereof, and stressing of said studs at said ends thereof.

5. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein:

said side runners are mounted in abutting relation with vertical walls of the building structure adjacent same, and including trim strip means fitted along said side 5 sheeting side edges,

and resilient caulking compound means filling said gaps along said side runners.

6. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein:

the trim strip means along said ceiling runner is supported by said ceiling runner,

said trim strip means along said ceiling runner comprising: an elongate trim member defining along one side of same a gripping fold receiving the adjacent side flange of said ceiling runner, and a masking flange shaped to engage said wallboard sheeting second side surface in slip fit relation thereto for masking the upper margin of said partition framework,

and means for securing said trim member fold to said adjacent ceiling runner side flange.

7. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein said trim strip means along said floor runner comprises:

an elongate trim member defining along one side of same a gripping fold receiving the adjacent side flange of said floor runner, and a masking flange shaped to engage said wallboard sheeting second side surface in slip fit relation thereto for masking the lower margin of said partition framework,

and means for securing the trim member fold to said adjacent floor runner side flange.

8. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein said trim strip means along said floor runner comprises:

an elongate trim member of generally flat configuration defining a nailing strip separating an upper arched flap and a lower flexible base,

said trim member being formed to define a slot along the outwardly facing surface of same exposing said nailing strip,

fastener means applied in spaced relation along said strip,

and a masking strip received in snap fit relation in said slot and masking said fastener means,

said masking strip being flush with said trim member outwardly facing surface.

9. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a room space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising:

floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation,

a pair of side runners of generally channel shape respectively mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter,

a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners in horizontally spaced, coplanar relation,

and wallboard sheeting disposed along and against either side of said studs in masking relation to said studs,

said runners each defining a web having upstanding side flanges along either side of same having opposed inner surfaces and oppositely facing outer surfaces,

said studs having their lower ends resting on and supported by said web of said floor runner,

said studs having their upper and lower ends respectively frictionally received between said floor and ceiling runner flanges, in frictional engagement with said inner surfaces thereof,

with said upper ends of said studs being spaced from said ceiling runner web whereby said studs are free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner,

said sheetings engaging said floor and ceiling runner flange outer surfaces on either side of said floor and ceiling runners in slip fit relation to said flange outer surfaces thereof,

said sheetings having the side edges of same in slip fit relation with the respective side runner flange outer surfaces and extending short of the plane of the respective side runner webs to define a gap along the respective side runners on either side of same,

said sheetings having the upper edges thereof formed to be short of the level of said ceiling runner web on either side of same and defining a gap between the sheeting upper edge and the ceiling on either side of said ceiling runner,

said sheetings having the lower edges thereof formed to be short of the level of said floor runner web on either side of same and defining a gap between the sheeting lower edges and the floor on either side of said floor runner,

said studs and sheetings being free of fixed connection to said runners,

said sheetings each defining a first side surface facing and engaging said studs and a second side surface facing oppositely of said first surface thereof and facing away from said studs,

fastener means for securing said sheetings to said studs, with said first surface of the respective sheetings for supporting said sheetings against gravity from said studs and maintaining said studs in said spaced relation and said sheetings in said slip fit relation with said runners,

said trim strip means positioned along the upper and lower edges of said sheetings for spanning said gaps at the sheeting upper and lower edges and masking said sheeting upper and lower edges and said floor and ceiling runners on either side of same,

said trim strip means engaging said second side surface of the respective sheetings,

said sheetings and said studs forming a floating framework supported by said, floor runner whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure free of stressing said sheetings along said edges thereof, and stressing of said studs at said ends thereof.

10. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 9 wherein the trim strip means along said floor runner comprises:

a channel shaped trim member having said floor runner seated within same and extending longitudinally thereof,

said trim member defining along either side of same and including means for supporting said ceiling runner from said suspended ceiling,

said supporting means comprising:

an elongate support member of generally quadrilateral transverse cross-sectional configuration having said ceiling runner secured thereto in parallelism therewith and along the lower surface of same,

said trim strip means along said ceiling runner comprising:

a pair of elongate trim members of generally Z- configuraiion having like wing flanges affixed to said support member along either side of same and each having a depending wing flange each defining a masking flange shaped to engage the wallboard sheeting on either side of said framework for masking the upper margin of said framework,

said trim member each including on their respective like wing flanges a holding flange spaced above said support member for receiving the flanges of the ceiling suspension T-grid frame member.

13. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 9, wherein a mullion member is along one side of the room space, and including means for supportingone of the side runners from said mullion,

said supporting means comprising:

an elongate support member of generally quadrilateral transverse cross-sectional configuration having said side runners secured thereto in parallelism therewith and along the lower surface of same,

said trim strip means along said one side runner comprising:

a pair of elongate trim members of generally Z- configuration having like wing flanges affixed to said support member along either side of same and each having a projecting wing flange each defining a masking flange shaped to engage the wallboard sheeting on either side of said framework for masking the adjacent side margin of said framework,

said trim members each including on their respective like wing flanges a holding flange spaced from said support member for receiving the flanges of a T- frame member fixed to and extending longitudinally of said mullion. 

1. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a room space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising: floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation, a pair of side runners respectively mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter, and a partition framework between said runners in close interfitting relation thereto and resting on said floor runner, said framework being free of fixed connection to said runners, and trim strip means positioned along the vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on at least one side of same for masking said runners, whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure, said partition framework comprising: a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners and having their ends received therein, and wallboard sheeting mounted on said studs at said one side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same, said studs being free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner, said wallboard sheeting at said runners being received in close fitting relation thereto, with the trim strip means along said side runners being applied to said sheeting, said side runners being mounted in abutting relation with vertical walls of the building structure adjacent same, said trim strip means along said side runners defining a gap between same and said building structure vertical walls, respectively, and resilient caulking compound means filling said gaps along the lengths thereof.
 2. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a room spAce having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising: floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation, a pair of side runners respectively mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter, and a partition framework between said runners in close interfitting relation thereto and resting on said floor runner, said framework being free of fixed connection to said runners, and trim strip means positioned along the vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on at least one side of same for masking said runners, whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure, said partition framework comprising: a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners and having their ends received therein, and wallboard sheeting mounted on said studs at said one side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same, said studs being free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner, said trim strip means being positioned along the vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on both sides of same for masking said runners, and including wallboard sheeting mounted on the other side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same, with the ceiling being of the T-grid suspended type, and including means for supporting said ceiling runner from said suspended ceiling, said supporting means comprising: a pair of elongate trim members of generally Z-configuration having like wing flanges affixed to said support member along either side of same and each having a depending wing flange each defining a masking flange shaped to engage the wallboard sheeting on either side of said framework for masking the upper margin of said framework, said trim members each including on their respective like wing flanges a holding flange spaced above said support member for receiving the flanges of the ceiling suspension T-grid frame member.
 3. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a room space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising: floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation, a pair of side runners respectively mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter, and a partition framework between said runners in close interfitting relation thereto and resting on said floor runner, said framework being free of fixed connection to said runners, and trim strip means positioned along the vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on at least one side of same for masking said runners, whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure, said partition framework comprising: a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners and having their ends received therein, and wallboard sheeting mounted on said studs at said one side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same, said studs being free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner, said trim strip means being positioned along vertical and horizontal edges of said framework on both sides of same for masking said runners, and including wallboard sheeting mounted on the other side of said framework in fixed relation to said studs and masking same, with a mullion member being along one side of the room space, and including means for supporting one of the Side runners from said mullion, said supporting means comprising: an elongate support member of generally quadrilateral transverse cross-sectional configuration having said side runners secured thereto in parallelism therewith and along the lower surface of same, said trim strip means along said one side runner comprising: a pair of elongate trim members of generally Z-configuration having like wing flanges affixed to said support member along either side of same and each having a projecting wing flange each defining a masking flange shaped to engage the wallboard sheeting on either side of said framework for masking the adjacent side margin of said framework, said trim members each including on their respective like wing flanges a holding flange spaced from said support member for receiving the flanges of a T-frame member fixed to and extending longitudinally of said mullion.
 4. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a romm space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising: floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation, a pair of side runners of generally channel shape respective mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter, a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners in horizontally spaced, coplanar relation, and wallboard sheeting disposed along and against one side of said studs in masking relation to said studs, said runners each defining a web having upstanding side flanges along either side of same having opposed inner surfaces and oppositely facing outer surfaces, said studs having their lower ends resting on and supported by said web of said floor runner, said studs having their upper and lower ends respectively frictionally received between said floor and ceiling runner flanges, in frictional engagement with said inner surface thereof, with said upper ends of said studs being spaced from said ceiling runner web whereby said studs are free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner, said sheeting engaging said floor and ceiling runner flange outer surfaces on one side of said floor and ceiling runners in slip fit relation to said flange outer surfaces thereof, said sheeting have the side edges of same in slip fit relation with the respective side runner flange outer surfaces and extending short of the plane of the respective side runner webs to define a gap along the respective side runners, said sheeting having the upper edge thereof formed to be short of the level of said ceiling runner web and defining a gap between the sheeting upper edge and the ceiling, said sheeting having the lower edge thereof formed to be short of the level of said floor runner web and define a gap between the sheeting lower edges and the floor, said studs and sheeting being free of fixed connection to said runners, said sheeting defining a first side surface facing and engaging said studs and a second side surface facing oppositely of said first surface thereof and facing away from said studs, fastener means for securing said sheeting to said studs, with said first surface of said sheeting engaging same, for supporting said sheeting against gravity from said studs and maintaining said studs in said spaced relation and said sheeting in said slip fit relation with said runners, and trim strip means positioned along the upper and lower edges of said sheeting for spanning said gaps at the sheeting upper and lower edges and masking said sheeting upper and lower edges and said floor and ceiling runners, said trim strip means engaging said second side surface of said sheeting, said sheeting and said studs forming a floating framework supported by said floor runner whereby said runners are free tO shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure free of stressing said sheeting along said edges thereof, and stressing of said studs at said ends thereof.
 5. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein: said side runners are mounted in abutting relation with vertical walls of the building structure adjacent same, and including trim strip means fitted along said side sheeting side edges, and resilient caulking compound means filling said gaps along said side runners.
 6. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein: the trim strip means along said ceiling runner is supported by said ceiling runner, said trim strip means along said ceiling runner comprising: an elongate trim member defining along one side of same a gripping fold receiving the adjacent side flange of said ceiling runner, and a masking flange shaped to engage said wallboard sheeting second side surface in slip fit relation thereto for masking the upper margin of said partition framework, and means for securing said trim member fold to said adjacent ceiling runner side flange.
 7. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein said trim strip means along said floor runner comprises: an elongate trim member defining along one side of same a gripping fold receiving the adjacent side flange of said floor runner, and a masking flange shaped to engage said wallboard sheeting second side surface in slip fit relation thereto for masking the lower margin of said partition framework, and means for securing the trim member fold to said adjacent floor runner side flange.
 8. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 4 wherein said trim strip means along said floor runner comprises: an elongate trim member of generally flat configuration defining a nailing strip separating an upper arched flap and a lower flexible base, said trim member being formed to define a slot along the outwardly facing surface of same exposing said nailing strip, fastener means applied in spaced relation along said strip, and a masking strip received in snap fit relation in said slot and masking said fastener means, said masking strip being flush with said trim member outwardly facing surface.
 9. A partition arrangement for forming a wall in a building structure defining a room space having a floor and ceiling, said partition arrangement comprising: floor and ceiling runners of generally channel shape respectively secured to the floor and ceiling respectively in substantial coplanar opposed relation, a pair of side runners of generally channel shape respectively mounted between the ends of the respective floor and ceiling runners adjacent the ends of the latter, a plurality of vertically extending studs positioned between said floor and ceiling runners in horizontally spaced, coplanar relation, and wallboard sheeting disposed along and against either side of said studs in masking relation to said studs, said runners each defining a web having upstanding side flanges along either side of same having opposed inner surfaces and oppositely facing outer surfaces, said studs having their lower ends resting on and supported by said web of said floor runner, said studs having their upper and lower ends respectively frictionally received between said floor and ceiling runner flanges, in frictional engagement with said inner surfaces thereof, with said upper ends of said studs being spaced from said ceiling runner web whereby said studs are free of columnar supporting engagement with said ceiling runner, said sheetings engaging said floor and ceiling runner flange outer surfaces on either side of said floor and ceiling runners in slip fit relation to said flange outer surfaces thereof, said sheetings having the side edges of same in slip fit relation with the respective side runner flange outer surfaces and extending short of the plane of the respective side runner webs to define a gap along the respective side runners on either side of same, said sheetings having the upper edges thereof formed to be short of the level of said ceiling runner web on either side of same and defining a gap between the sheeting upper edge and the ceiling on either side of said ceiling runner, said sheetings having the lower edges thereof formed to be short of the level of said floor runner web on either side of same and defining a gap between the sheeting lower edges and the floor on either side of said floor runner, said studs and sheetings being free of fixed connection to said runners, said sheetings each defining a first side surface facing and engaging said studs and a second side surface facing oppositely of said first surface thereof and facing away from said studs, fastener means for securing said sheetings to said studs, with said first surface of the respective sheetings for supporting said sheetings against gravity from said studs and maintaining said studs in said spaced relation and said sheetings in said slip fit relation with said runners, said trim strip means positioned along the upper and lower edges of said sheetings for spanning said gaps at the sheeting upper and lower edges and masking said sheeting upper and lower edges and said floor and ceiling runners on either side of same, said trim strip means engaging said second side surface of the respective sheetings, said sheetings and said studs forming a floating framework supported by said floor runner whereby said runners are free to shift with the building structure relative to said framework to accommodate flexture movements in the building structure free of stressing said sheetings along said edges thereof, and stressing of said studs at said ends thereof.
 10. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 9 wherein the trim strip means along said floor runner comprises: a channel shaped trim member having said floor runner seated within same and extending longitudinally thereof, said trim member defining along either side of same an upstanding side wall having its upper edge hooked over inwardly of said framework for engaging the respective wallboard sheetings on either side of said framework for masking the lower margin of said framework.
 11. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 9 wherein: the ceiling is of the non-suspended type, said ceiling runner being fixed directly to the ceiling.
 12. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 9 wherein: the ceiling is of a T-grid suspended type, and including means for supporting said ceiling runner from said suspended ceiling, said supporting means comprising: an elongate support member of generally quadrilateral transverse cross-sectional configuration having said ceiling runner secured thereto in parallelism therewith and along the lower surface of same, said trim strip means along said ceiling runner comprising: a pair of elongate trim members of generally Z-configuration having like wing flanges affixed to said support member along either side of same and each having a depending wing flange each defining a masking flange shaped to engage the wallboard sheeting on either side of said framework for masking the upper margin of said framework, said trim member each including on their respective like wing flanges a holding flange spaced above said support member for receiving the flanges of the ceiling suspension T-grid frame member.
 13. The partition arrangement set forth in claim 9, wherein a mullion member is along one side of the room space, and including means for supporting one of the side runners from said mullion, said supporting means comprising: an elongate support member of generally quadrilateral transverse cross-sectional configuration having said side runners secured thereto in parallelism therewith and along the lower surface of same, said trim strip mEans along said one side runner comprising: a pair of elongate trim members of generally Z-configuration having like wing flanges affixed to said support member along either side of same and each having a projecting wing flange each defining a masking flange shaped to engage the wallboard sheeting on either side of said framework for masking the adjacent side margin of said framework, said trim members each including on their respective like wing flanges a holding flange spaced from said support member for receiving the flanges of a T-frame member fixed to and extending longitudinally of said mullion. 